Apr 11, 2021
Originally Presented: October 30, 2016
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:5-9
In this paragraph the author picks up the theme of Christ's superiority to angels. To this point in the book, to buttress the idea that Jesus is superior to angels, the line of reasoning has centered on His divinity. Christ is seen as the Son (1:5), king (1:8), God (1:8), creator (1:2,10), unchanging (1:12). Now the argumentation for the superiority of Christ to angels is drawn from His humanity. God did not subject the world to come to angels, but to Christ and His redeemed people (2:5).
Though human beings are, in some ways, lower than the angels now, even now they have been granted a position that the angels have not been given, namely the privilege of ruling over the earth (2:7,8). Through Adam's sin the fulfillment of this sovereignty has been forfeited. "At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him" (2:8).
Jesus is the 'second Adam' (1 Cor 15:45). As the perfect man and the perfect sacrifice, He has been "crowned with glory and honor" (1:9) and He will rule in His kingdom over the earth with His people, "bringing many sons to glory" (2:10).
When we feel the tendency to be discouraged because of the degradation in our culture or the conflicts in many places in the world, we must keep in mind that there is a world to come over which Christ will reign, with His people. It is a glorious hope.